Beat the ”Mommy Blues”

March 20, 2011 by

Having a baby is supposed to be a time of excitement and joy.  However, life has a tendency to surprise us and things do not always end up how we planned.  If you are feeling down, doubting your ability to be a mom, or confused or disappointed about your emotions, here are some tips to keep in consideration:

1. You’re not alone.  Research indicates that anywhere from 30 to 80% of new moms experience “mommy blues” and 10 to 25% experience more severe symptoms, or postpartum depression.  Ask others if mommy hood was a more difficult adjustment than they expected…you may be surprised that even those who you thought as supermoms struggle.

2. Asking for help is okay.  Often family and friends are eager to offer assistance with your adjustment to a new baby.  Taking them up on it or asking for help does not mean you are not capable…if anything it demonstrates your wisdom in knowing your limits and what can help, whether it is household chores or a babysitting break so you can rest.

3. Exercise is known as the number one way to reduce symptoms of depression…so find ways to benefit from the natural antidepressant.  Engage in exercise you enjoyed before children or find exercise groups to join.  Better yet, start an exercise group of new mommies and babies, such as a walking group for mommies and strollers.

4. Practice patience.  Be patient with the adjustment…any change is difficult, even if it’s one that is meant to be exciting and happy.  This includes practicing patience as your body adjusts and gets back into shape, or settles into a new shape.

5. Be realistic.  No one is happy all the time and no parent is perfect.  Re-evaluating your priorities and lowering your expectations and standards will allow the transition to flow more smoothly with less stress.

6. Seek professional help if needed.  If depression symptoms continue or are so extreme that they are debilitating, prevent daily functioning, or result in suicidal or homicidal thoughts, professional help should be considered.  Counseling or psychotherapy can help you sort out your thoughts and learn how to adjust to the transition in a positive way.

References:

Hitti, Miranda.  April 10, 2008.  Postpartum Depression: How Common?  Retrieved March 20, 2011 from CBS news:  http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/10/health/webmd/main4007546.shtml

Schimelpfening, Nancy. May 4, 2009.  10 Tips for Preventing Postpartum Depression.  Retrieved March 20, 2011 from About.com: http://depression.about.com/od/babyblue/tp/preventppd.htm

Stone, Katherine.  October 8, 2010. How Many Women Get Postpartum Depression? The Statistics on PPD.   Retrieved March 20, 2011 from Postpartum Progress: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/10/health/webmd/main4007546.shtml

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Filed Under: Adjustment/Transition, Adult Mental Health, Depression, Healthy Mommy & Baby, Mental Wellness, Women's Health
About Kimberly Rodgers, LCSW, RPT-S

Kimberly is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor through the Association for Play Therapy. She also supervises clinical social work interns pursuing licensure. She has worked as a psychotherapist for twelve years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida.

Her experience includes foster care, adoption, youth shelter, youth related research, school-based counseling, and sexual assault crisis center settings prior to private practice. She specializes in counseling children, families, and adults struggling with stress, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment to life transitions. Kimberly is a current Board member of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida and former Vice-President of the Southwest Florida chapter of the Association for Play Therapy. She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and EMDR International Association.

Kimberly is founder of Monarch Wellness (originally Monarch Therapy), an integrative center focused on empowering individuals and families through emotional and behavioral metamorphosis. In addition to counseling and play therapy, the center offers other supportive modalities to further enhance emotional healing and stress management including support groups, yoga, laughter yoga, breathwork, integrative relaxation, and sound therapy. Monarch Wellness' sister site eFitFamily.com offers health related information and inspiration for everyday families to live healthier every day. The center is also involved with House of Gaia community center and other community and service focused organizations. More information about Kimberly and her practice can be found online: www.MonarchWellness.net.

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